Who are the players worth keeping an eye on throughout the Senior Championship? We’ve picked one from each club.
Armagh Harps: Cathal Agnew
A county minor and u-20 the past couple of years, Agnew has been one of a number of youngsters who have gained first team experience this season.
Agnew is likely to find his place in the full back line but is well capable to cover any of the back six positions.
Ballymacnab: Chris Kerr
Kerr has enjoyed a positive time with Ballymacnab during his first season, having helped them win Division 1B.
The former Antrim and St Gall’s netminder has a booming kickout and is an option for long range frees.
Carrickcruppen: Eoin Woods
A lot of attention will be on Woods. Not only after his exploits in last year’s IFC, but also following his appearance in Croke Park on his Armagh debut.
Woods is a fine player and can line out anywhere from midfield up. One to watch in this championship and for the future.
Clan na Gael: Lennox Camara
His last two championship outings have been good showings for the 2019 College All-Star. He netted in the 2020 Intermediate final as Clans overcame Lurgan rivals St Paul’s.
Camara started that game at centre half back while last season he was full forward in their one game against Crossmaglen.
Crossmaglen: Jamie Clarke
Jamie Clarke hasn’t played championship ball in the black and amber since 2017. He’s back now and he’s adding to an already deadly forward line.
Clarke has also signed for Newry City since returning, so how that impacts his game time with Cross will be interesting.
Clann Eireann: Jack Conlon
The Clann Eireann hero from last year’s championship final. Used as an impact sub, Conlon hit the net to defeat Crossmaglen after being introduced.
He saw more action in the league this year and in Tiernan Kelly’s absence, Conlon could be a big player for the reigning champions.
Dromintee: Adam Markey
A roaming defender, Markey will be in the back six for Dromintee but will hope to bomb forward at every opportunity.
Dromintee like to get bodies back and Markey’s foraying runs on the counter are key to their set up.
Granemore: Karl McQuaid
A new addition to the Granemore team this season, McQuaid transferred from Monaghan club Emyvale.
McQuaid has slotted in perfectly to the Granemore back line and has been their standout performer all year.
Madden: Darragh McMullen
Still inexperienced at this level but McMullen is one of the best players in the red and black. He’s the playmaker in the half forward line and doesn’t shirk responsibility.
McMullen was part of the Madden u-19 side that won the championship last year and has played on Armagh minor and u-20 teams in recent seasons.
Maghery: Kevin Robinson
Robinson already has a championship medal in his back pocket from the 2020 season. But is still learning his trade at senior level.
He’s developed into one of Maghery’s main attacking options in recent months and is a superb left footed free taker.
Killeavy: Callum O’Hare
O’Hare is an unsung hero in Killeavy’s side, but Wayne Kierans’ men appreciate his important role in the team.
The rangy midfielder came on to the scene last year with some eye-catching displays and has pushed on again this season.
Pearse Og: Ruairi Duffy
Has developed into a really important player for the Ogs. Duffy is the main link man on the 40 for Conor Clarke’s men.
The left footer is a sharpshooter in front of the posts and finished last year’s championship with 1-7 in two games.
Mullaghbawn: Fergal O’Brien
Mullaghbawn have a host of talented young players that helped Peter McDonnell’s men enjoy a good league campaign.
A former Armagh minor and u-20, O’Brien can line out either in the half back or half forward lines and is dangerous no matter where he plays.
Sarsfields: Thomas McAlinden
Has been in seriously good form all season long for Sarsfields and he’ll hope to carry that into the championship.
His talent has never been questioned, but he’s turned into the main man this year and his scoring power is something that will concern opposition defences.
St Patrick’s: Sean Og Irwin
A Club All-Star winner in 2019, Sean Og Irwin is a fantastic man-marker in the Cullyhanna defence.
He’s the one that’s likely to go toe-to-toe with the oppositions best forward and on his day is fit for anyone.
Silverbridge: Sean Rock
Silverbridge’s goalscoring sensation from last year, Rock hit the net twice as the Bridge knocked out Cullyhanna.
He continued his fine form while featuring in Armagh’s u-20 side this season and will be the main focus for the Crossmaglen defence.
